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BLM Camping

Chimney Rock Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Chimney Rock Trail is an out-and-back trail that runs for 1.3 miles along stunning lichen-covered basalt cliffs in Oregon's high desert. This trail is open year-round and has several benches where you can stop to enjoy the view. Chimney Rock Trail is near the Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River, which has nine campgrounds and two day-use areas. The trail and surrounding land are administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency that protects more than 240 million acres in the United States. Crater Lake National Park is about three hours southwest of the Chimney Rock Trail. You can also head to Washington's Mount Rainier National Park, which is approximately 352 miles to the northwest. The Chimney Rock Trail is close to the city of Bend, which has a population of almost 100,000.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Northern Prineville Reservoir Trail

This path starts at Prineville Reservoir State Park and loops around to reach Owl Creek and Jasper Point State Park. The trail is open year-round, but it can become inaccessible to cars and ATVs in certain weather. Visit in the summer to camp or in winter to cross-country ski. Length: 7.1 miles Intensity: Moderate

Tumulus, Basalt and Black Lava Trail Loop

Rather than a traditional dirt path, this loop is a pleasant sandy trail running through juniper trees and over lava rock formations. On clear days, you'll be able to see the ridges of the Cascade Mountains. Wildflowers are abundant during the spring and summer at this trail in the Oregon Badlands. Length: 6.7 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Nearby Prineville Reservoir State Park is home to a 3,000-acre reservoir that offers 43 miles of shoreline. The day-use area has a boat ramp, a fish cleaning station and an accessible pier. There are also 32 boat moorages. You'll find more boat launches at Powderhouse Cove and Jasper Point. Anglers stop by all year long to catch trout. Summer and fall are great times to fish for crappie, catfish and small and largemouth bass. Ochoco Reservoir east of Prineville is home to rainbow trout, brown bullhead and black crappie.

Climbing

One of the more popular spots to climb near Prineville is the 350-foot Steins Pillar. It's a natural skyscraper in the Ochoco Mountains that's not far from the Wildcat Campground. There are two traditional summit routes and a newer one-pitch sport route. If you start on the northeast face of Steins Pillar, you can expect a 5.7 or a 5.11a climb. The southwest or west face promises a 5.6 or 5.10d climb.

Wildlife Viewing

The area around the Chimney Rock Trail is rich in wildlife like mule deer, elk, bobcats, wild turkeys, black bears, northern goshawks and pileated woodpeckers. You could also spot prairie falcons, rattlesnakes, crows, rabbits, beavers, western gray squirrels, snow geese and jackrabbits.

Picnicking

You can find the best picnicking spots at the Upper Lone Pine Day-Use Area and the Greenwood Day-Use Area. The Upper Lone Pine Day-Use Area has picnic tables, potable water and a vault toilet. The Greenwood Day-Use Area boasts plenty of angling access on the Crooked River as well as photography, hiking and biking opportunities.

Stargazing

Prineville Reservoir State Park was recently recognized as Oregon's first dark sky state park. Several drive-in and boat-in campsites along the reservoir will give you breathtaking views of the unobstructed starry sky. If you're not camping there, you can get a free stargazer permit. Make sure to call the campground and nearby state parks ahead of your visit to ask about any stargazing programs. The city of Bend, for example, holds Wanderlust Tours during Dark Sky Week in April.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

One of the closest Bureau of Land Management campgrounds near Chimney Rock Trail is the Chimney Rock Campground. It offers 16 campsites plus vault toilets, an accessible fishing pier and year-round potable water. The fee is $8 per night with an extra $2 charge per vehicle. The 14.5-acre Palisades Campground is near the Lower Crooked Back Country Byway. The 14 campsites are spacious and right along the river's edge. These campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis. While searching for "BLM camping near me," you can find deluxe RV camping options like those at Crook County RV Park. This five-acre campground has 81 RV sites with full hookups near Rimrock Park and the Crook County Fairgrounds. Up to two pets are allowed per site. Other amenities include coin-operated washers and dryers, a 24-hour automated dump station and a clubhouse.

Free Camping

All nine BLM campgrounds along the Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River charge you a small fee. Fortunately, you can still enjoy dispersed camping in the BLM wilderness around this river. You're welcome to park near Prineville Reservoir in one of the Owl Creek sites. You can also explore the convenient spots at Rocky Butte and the Cyrus Springs Horse Camp. Bureau of Land Management free camping sites can only be occupied for up to 14 days at a time.

RV Rentals Near Chimney Rock Trail Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Chimney Rock Trail BLM trip

In the spring and fall, moist conditions help to minimize airborne dust in the Oregon high desert, making those ideal times to visit Chimney Rock Trail. If you camp in Oregon during a campfire ban, be sure to bring along a camp stove. You should also avoid transporting firewood over state lines as it may carry invasive species that threaten the environment. It's helpful to research and reserve tickets for any local ranger or state park events to make the most of your RV adventure. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

All visitors to BLM lands are asked to minimize their impact on the environment and wildlife. By practicing the "Leave No Trace" guidelines, you are protecting the wilderness for future generations by properly disposing of all of your waste and camping in established areas. Rather than disturb any flora or fauna, quietly observe all local animals and birds from a distance. Don't forget to be respectful of others by limiting excessive noise and keeping your pets under control.